JosephJ.Drabek

Joseph J. Drabek PRINCETON - Joseph J. Drabek passed away peacefully at the Princeton Medical Center on Christmas Day, Dec. 25, 2012. With his wife Marie, he was a long-time resident of Princeton, and raised his children there. Well-known and beloved in the community for his good humor and generous outgoing spirit, he had many friends and was a member of St. Thomas Aquinas Church and Saint Paul's Catholic Church. In recent years he was a regular visitor to the Patterson Senior Center. Born May 20, 1924, in Cicero, IL, to John and Anna Drabek, Joe graduated from high school there, where he was an avid soccer player and equestrian. Earning business degrees from University of Illinois and an MBA from the University of Chicago, he was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha. He served in the Canary Islands in World War II, trained as a fighter pilot and cryptographer, and was honorably discharged. He married Marie Brady in Chicago in 1950 and they were married for 46 years, until her death in 1997. He worked as a marketing executive for Continental Can/American Can Company for 25 years and later for Paul Flum Ideas of St. Louis, MO, retiring in 1985. Joe was a devoted husband, father and mentor. Sometimes known as "Big D" or "JJ," he will be missed dearly by his friends and family. He had a passion for tennis and for grand opera. He loved his dogs and he loved horses. In retirement he enjoyed spending time with his family and friends and watching TV and film westerns. He is survived by his sister, Mary Ann Wagner of Fredericksburg, TX.; children, Jaime Drabek (Belinda) of McAllen, TX, Suzanne Drabek of Princeton, NJ, Jonathan Drabek (Stephanie) of St. Augustine, FL; his grandchildren, Taylor and Grant Drabek of Harlingen, TX, and Matthew and Connor Drabek of St. Augustine, FL. There will be a funeral service on Jan. 5, 2013, at 11 a.m. at the Kimble Funeral Home, One Hamilton Avenue, Princeton. Burial in Princeton Cemetery in the family plot will follow. The family requests privacy after the burial. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to
. Extend condolences at TheKimbleFuneralHome.com.